District presents 2024–25 financials and proposes 2025–26 budget; electors approve tax levy

Ruth, serving as the district treasurer, presented the Burlington Area School District's 2024–25 financial results and the proposed 2025–26 budget during the annual meeting.

Ruth said total assets as of June 30, 2025, were $13,875,013; liabilities were $5,993,765, leaving a fund balance of $7,881,248. She reported 2024–25 revenues of $44,631,949 and expenditures of $44,147,443, leaving a positive variance that increased fund balance for the year.

Ruth reviewed fund accounting used in Wisconsin schools and outlined major funds. She said the combined general fund (fund 10) and special education fund (fund 27) budgeted revenue for 2025–26 is $53,268,548 and the combined expenditures for those funds total $51,684,431. Ruth noted about 69% of expenditures are salaries and benefits, 15% tuition (including open enrollment and private‑school vouchers), 5% transportation and 9% other (utilities, maintenance, insurance and technology).

Ruth explained the district’s capital and debt portfolios, naming a non‑referendum loan with a $295,000 balance due in 2029 and referendum‑approved debt with a current balance of $18,750,000 and final payment due in 2034; she said prepayments in recent years shortened that schedule and reduced interest costs.

On tax impact, Ruth said the 2025–26 projected mill rate is $6.85; "so on a $100,000 home, that would be $685," she said. The proposed tax levy presented to electors was $26,283,541, an increase of 1.18% from the prior levy and inclusive of the operating referendum component. Ruth cautioned that statewide budget actions could alter final levy calculations and that the district will finalize the budget in October.

After the budget hearing (no public comments were offered), the clerk collected paper ballots for the resolutions. For resolution A (adoption of the tax levy) the clerk announced nine ballots cast and all nine yes votes. The electors also voted on several related annual‑meeting resolutions: board member compensation (resolution B), reimbursement of board members’ expenses (resolution C) and the 2026 annual meeting date (resolution D). The clerk later announced counts: resolution B passed 8–1 (yes–no), resolution C passed 9–0 and resolution D passed 9–0.

Ruth concluded the treasurer's presentation and noted final adoption of the district budget is scheduled for the October board meeting.